That's surprising to hear! I couldn't imagine driving in Japan right off the bat - I'd have to do it babysteps or risk getting overwhelmed, you know?

When I was in the Army (I'm not an old-timer, I was only in for the the Iraq/Afghanistan war period ; ) ) I would see folks try to do everything at once - special schools, points to raise their rank, added responcibilities just to look good, etc - and they'd get burned out before they even got to their desired place or bitter over not getting there the first time around. So, I at least learned that lesson while I was there.

Well, that and being able to adapt to rules I don't like and accept instructions I don't like - which will come in handy anywhere, I imagine. XD

Thomas